Mr. Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), made the following statement today regarding the earthquake affecting Indonesia:

"On behalf of the International Monetary Fund, I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Indonesia, particularly the families of victims affected by the earthquake that has tragically struck Central Java.

"In all such disasters, the immediate concern is to provide as much relief as possible to the affected areas, and to ensure the safety and well-being of the survivors of this tragedy. The international community, including the IMF, supports Indonesia's efforts to respond to this natural disaster."